What steps can we take to align our actions with God's will daily? Setting the Scene: Jonah 1:3 “Jonah, however, got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD.” (Jonah 1:3) What Went Wrong? • Jonah rose—but in the wrong direction. • He invested time, effort, and money in disobedience. • Two times the verse stresses he moved “away from the presence of the LORD,” revealing the core issue: distancing himself from God. Recognizing these missteps helps us take the opposite path every single day. Daily Steps Toward Alignment • Start each morning in God’s presence. – Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Scripture first keeps our bearings right. • Ask, “Where is God sending me today?” and obey promptly. – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Delayed obedience is disobedience. • Trust rather than rationalize. – Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart … and He will make your paths straight.” Jonah calculated routes; we lean on God’s wisdom. • Surrender self-direction daily. – Luke 9:23: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • Offer your whole life to God. – Romans 12:1-2: present your body “as living sacrifices … be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Alignment is total, not partial. Real-Time Course Corrections • Notice downward trends. Jonah “went down to Joppa.” When attitudes or choices trend downward, stop and turn. • Count the cost early. Jonah “paid the fare” for rebellion; confession is far cheaper than consequences. • Stay accountable. God sent sailors and a storm; embrace brothers and sisters who call you back before storms have to. • Keep short accounts with sin. Regular confession restores awareness of God’s presence and direction. Encouragement for the Journey God pursued Jonah, not to destroy him but to realign him. The same Lord lovingly pursues us. As we listen to His Word, respond immediately, and depend on His Spirit, we walk in step with His will—avoiding needless detours and experiencing the joy of daily, faithful obedience. |
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